Flat-panel display mounting system for portable computer

ABSTRACT

A flat-panel display with fixtures in its side walls to enable support by lateral mounting members is disclosed. The advantage of this approach, in which the fixtures are essentially rotated around to the sides of the flat-panel display, is the reduction in the portion of the portable computer&#39;s top cover that is not the active display. In practice, this results in an increase in the size of the display that may be housed in the same-sized top cover. In order to accommodate the lateral mounting of the flat-panel display, metal brackets are used. These brackets extend from the base unit hinges and cradle the display. This adds torsional rigidity, but also removes the requirement that the back must be structural. Further reductions in the inactive portions of the top cover may be achieved by extending the ends of the display&#39;s fluorescent back-light beyond or through the metal rim that surrounds the display.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/822,438,filed Mar. 21, 1997, pending.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable computers almost universally have a top cover that pivots toopen or close over a base unit. The top cover typically houses aflat-panel display, and the base unit has a keyboard and, many times,some form of pointing device.

In most cases, the flat-panel display is supported in the top cover bysecuring it to a plastic back or rear portion of the top cover. Usually,the flat-panel display has four or more holes around its periphery;bolts extend orthogonally to the face of the display, through the holes,to engage bosses, which are integral with the back. The plastic back istypically structural in nature, being manufactured from a rigid plastic.When connected together, the flat-panel display and the plastic backprovide necessary rigidity to the top cover.

The selection of the flat-panel display in portable computers isgenerally driven by two competing concerns. On one hand, with theavailability of ever-larger flat-panel displays, there is a desire toincorporate those displays into newer portable computer designs. Runningcontrary to this, however, is the desire to limit the overall dimensionsof the computers to enhance their portability. For example, it is commonto design portable computers with outside dimensions limited toapproximately 8×11″. These dimensions are characteristic ofnotebook-sized computers.

Various innovations have come about to increase the active or viewingarea of the flat-panel display as a proportion of the total surface areaof the top cover to obtain larger displays without increasing thecomputer's overall dimensions. For example, it is known to fold thedriving and other peripheral circuitry around to the back of theflat-panel display. This results in a display panel whose surface areais almost entirely active except for the width of the metal rim thatholds the display together and the bolt holes that are used to attachthe flat-panel display to the plastic back.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The problem with prior art configurations is the fact that they fail torecognize that the size of the top cover need not be large enough toaccommodate the bolt holes. According to the present invention, theflat-panel display is provided with fixtures in the display's side wallsto provide for its support by lateral mounting members. The advantage ofthis approach, in which the bolt holes are essentially rotated around tothe sides of the flat-panel display, is the reduction in the portion ofthe portable computer's top cover that is not an active display. Inpractice, this results in an increase of six millimeters or more in thesize display that may be housed in the same-sized top cover.

In specific embodiments, the lateral mounting members comprise boltsthat engage bosses in the flat-panel display.

Further reductions in the inactive portions of the top cover may beachieved by extending the ends of the display's fluorescent back-lightbeyond or through the metal rim that surrounds the display. This allowsthe rim to be even thinner.

Also according to the invention, in order to accommodate the lateralmounting of the flat-panel display, metal brackets are used. Thesebrackets extend from the base unit hinges and cradle the display. Thisadds torsional rigidity, but also removes the requirement that the backmust be structural. As a result, the back can simply be a thin, moldedcosmetic rear cover for the computer's top cover.

In specific embodiments, the lateral mounting members, or bolts, passthrough the brackets and the plastic back to engage the bosses, thusbinding the elements to each other.

The above and other features of the invention including various noveldetails of construction and combinations of parts, and other advantages,will now be more particularly described with reference to theaccompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims. It will beunderstood that the particular method and device embodying the inventionare shown by way of illustration and not as a limitation of theinvention. The principles and features of this invention may be employedin various and numerous embodiments without departing from the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings, reference characters refer to the sameparts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarilyto scale; emphasis has instead been placed upon illustrating theprinciples of the invention. Of the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable computer according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the top cover of the portable computeraccording to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the inventive top cover; and

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a corner of an inventiveflat-panel display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a personal computer 10 constructed according to theprinciples of the present invention. Generally, the computer 10 has atop cover 100 that is connected by hinges 112, or otherwise pivotallyattached, to a base unit 12. The top cover 100 houses a flat-paneldisplay 114 and a second, much smaller, status display 116, whichtypically provides information concerning remaining battery life, diskdrive operation, and other house-keeping functions. The base unit 12 haskeyboard 14 and a pointing device 16, a touch pad in the illustratedembodiment. A power switch 18 and disk drive door 20 are located on theside of the base unit 12.

The overall dimensions of the particular embodiment illustrated whenclosed are about 8.5 inches wide by 12 inches long, which dimensionsalso apply to the top cover 100 and base unit 12 separately. The totalclosed height is over two inches, with the height of the top cover 100being approximately 0.5 inches.

The unique characteristics of the present invention are evident in theratio between the total surface area of the top cover 100 and thesurface area of the active or viewable area of the display 114. Theactive area of the display illustrated is 14.1 inches, diagonally.Consequently, it consumes over 90% of the top cover's total area.

FIG. 2 illustrates the mounting technique for the display 114 in the topcover 100. Structurally, the top cover 100 comprises a back 118. Thiscomponent is almost universally constructed from plastic and forms thetop outer shell of the portable computer 10 when the top cover 100 isclosed. The back 118 is rectangular in shape and forms essentially a tubaround the other elements of the top cover. The proximal wall 120 of theback is not present, however, to accommodate the hinge connection to thebase unit.

In many prior art designs, the back 118 of the top cover 100 providedsignificant structural support to the back cover. This fact was evidentby the existence of spines or ridges, which are integral with the back,that added rigidity. It is also common to bolt the display to the backby placing bosses in the back during molding. In the present embodiment,only the side walls of the back 118 contribute to the back's bendingrigidity, and the back overall has little torsional rigidity.

Rigidity, especially torsional, is added to the top cover by right andleft metal brackets 122, 124 that are located in the back. The proximalportion of each bracket 122, 124 connects to respective right and lefthinge elements 126, 128 that are adapted to cooperate with correspondinghinge elements in the base unit 12. The brackets 122, 124 are eachaligned against respective side walls 130, 132 of the back 118. Thecross-section of each bracket is essentially “L”-shaped, the shorterlegs 134, 136 extending orthogonally away from the planar inner surfaceof the back 118 and abutting the back's side walls 130, 132. Two holes138, 140 in each bracket are sized to accommodate bolts 148, 150, twomillimeters in diameter, and the holes align with corresponding holes142, 144 through the side walls 130, 132 of the back 118. Preferably,the outer surfaces of the back's side walls 130, 132 have slightdepressions 146 to recess heads of the bolts 148, 150.

The flat-panel display 114 (not shown) comprises a large active area 152that is defined by the transparent top window of the display 114. Thetop window is clamped to the panel's plastic back (not shown in thisfigure) by a metal rim 154 that extends around the display'scircumference, defining the display's bottom (180), left (181), top(182), and right (183) side walls. Holes 156, 158, formed in the metalrim 154, align with the holes in the brackets and back when the displayis installed. The four bolts 148, 150 extend through the back 118,brackets 122, 124 to engage bosses held in the display 114 behind themetal rim 154.

A plastic bezel 160 snap fits over the display onto the back. Thebezel's rim extends inward hiding the display's metal rim.

FIG. 3 is cross-sectional view further illustrating the back cover'sconstruction. As discussed previously, each of the four bolts 148, 150extends through the back 118 and corresponding vertical legs 134, 136 ofthe brackets 122, 124. The bolts 148, 150 further extend through themetal rim 154 of the display to engage corresponding threaded bosses 162held in the plastic back 164 of the display. Also shown is the snap-fitarrangement of the plastic bezel 160 to the back 118.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of one of the lower outer corners of theflat-panel display 114 illustrating another innovation of the inventionthat enables a more compact display. Usually, the length of thefluorescent back-light plus the thickness of the display's metal rimdictate the overall width of the display. The light emitting portion ofthe fluorescent light must be as wide as the active area of the display,but electrodes on the end of the light are wider than the smallperipheral inactive portion of the display.

According to the present invention, circular cut-outs 166 are formed inthe metal rim 154 to allow the ends of the fluorescent back-light 168 toextend slightly beyond the outer surface of the rim 154. As a result,the overall width of the display is no wider than the critical length ofthe fluorescent back-light 168. In effect, twice the thickness of themetal rim, since cut-outs 166 are provided for both ends of the light168, is removed from the overall width of the display without any lossin active area. Defined another way, the inactive portions on both sidesof the display are each decreased by the thickness of the metal rim 154by enabling the ends of the back-light 168 to extend beyond the rim.

In other embodiments of the invention, the bolts 148, 150 may bereplaced with pins that extend through the back 118 and brackets 122,124to engage non-threaded holes in the side walls 180-183 of the display114, possibly using an interference fit. Alternatively, these pins couldbe integral with the metal brackets 122,124. In this later case, it maybe desirable to have the display 114 to snap fit with the pins, tofacilitate the manufacturing process.

In still another embodiment, pins extend outward from the display 114,possibly integral with the metal rim 154 to engage the brackets 122, 124with an arrangement. This configuration has an advantage, because thereis no need to accommodate holes in the display, which could affect thedisplay's electrical design.

In still other embodiments, mounting could be accomplished off of thetop and bottom side walls 180, 182 of the display 114. In this case,lateral mounting members that cooperate with these side walls would beused to replace the mounting fixtures on the right and left side walls181, 183, or in addition to those fixtures.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described withreferences to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A method for mounting a flat-panel display in a folding top cover ofa portable computer, the method comprising: providing fixtures in theside walls of the display; and laterally inserting mounting members toengage the fixtures.
 2. The method described in claim 1, furthercomprising inserting the members through a side wall of the top cover.3. The method described in claim 1, further comprising providingbolt-type mounting members.
 4. The method described in claim 1, furtherproviding metal brackets through which the lateral mounting membersextend.
 5. A method for mounting a flat-panel display in a cover for acomputer comprising: providing a laterally extending hole in a side wallof the display; and laterally inserting a mounting member to engage atleast a portion of the hole.
 6. The method described in claim 5, furthercomprising inserting a mounting member through a side wall of the topcover.
 7. The method described in claim 5, further comprising providinga bolt-type mounting member.
 8. A method for mounting a display in acover for a computer comprising: providing at least one laterallyextending hole in a side wall of the display; and laterally inserting amounting member to engage a portion of the laterally extending hole. 9.The method described in claim 8, further comprising inserting themembers through a side wall of the top cover.
 10. The method describedin claim 8, further comprising providing a threaded type mountingmember.
 11. The method described in claim 8, further comprisingproviding a pin type mounting member.
 12. The method described in claim8, further comprising providing a mounting member having an interferencefit with the laterally extending hole in the display.
 13. A method formounting a display in a cover of a computer comprising: providing adisplay having at least one laterally extending pin from a sidewallthereof; and fitting the at least one laterally extending pin into aportion of a bracket.
 14. The method described in claim 13, wherein thebracket is attached to a portion of the cover.
 15. The method describedin claim 13, wherein the display includes a rim having the at least onelaterally extending pin extending therefrom.
 16. A method of mounting aflat-panel display for a computer comprising: providing a cover forhousing at least a portion of a flat-panel display for the computer;providing a bracket member having at least one first hole formedlaterally through a portion thereof and at least one second hole formedtherethrough; and mounting the flat-panel display to a portion of thebracket, the flat-panel display including a back having at least onehole formed laterally therein, the flat-panel display secured to atleast a portion of the bracket member using at least one mounting memberextending through the at least one first hole formed laterally through aportion of the bracket member and engaging at least a portion of the atleast one hole of the flat-panel display for mounting the flat-paneldisplay to the bracket member.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein thebracket member comprises a member having a first portion extending in afirst direction and a second portion extending orthogonally in a seconddirection therefrom.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the at leastone first hole is formed in the first portion of the bracket member andthe at least one second hole is formed in the second portion of thebracket member.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the flat-paneldisplay includes a display panel and a back.
 20. The method of claim 19,wherein the flat-panel display further includes a rim extending aroundthe display panel and the back.
 21. The method of claim 16, wherein theflat-panel display includes a display panel, a back and a rim extendingaround the display panel and the back.
 22. The method of claim 16wherein the cover includes a sidewall.
 23. The method of claim 22,wherein the bracket member comprises a member having a first portionextending in a first direction for extending in the direction of theside wall of the cover being spaced therefrom and a second portionextending orthogonally in a second direction therefrom.
 24. The methodof claim 23, wherein the bracket member further includes the at leastone first hole located in the first portion and the at least one secondhole located in the second portion.
 25. The method of claim 24, furthercomprising mounting the flat-panel display in the cover using anothermounting member.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the anothermounting member extends through the hole in the cover and into at leasta portion of the at least one second hole in the bracket member formounting the flat-panel display in the cover.
 27. The method of claim23, further comprising installing a bezel having a portion covering aportion of the flat panel display.
 28. The method of claim 27, whereinthe bezel further includes a portion for abutting a portion of asidewall of the cover.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the bezelfurther includes a portion for extending into the cover.
 30. Themounting system of claim 16, further comprising installing a bezelhaving a portion covering a portion of the flat panel display.
 31. Themethod system of claim 30, wherein the bezel further includes a portionfor abutting a portion of a sidewall of the cover.
 32. The mountingsystem of claim 16, wherein the bezel further includes a portion forextending into the cover to be located between the side wall thereof andthe first portion of the bracket member.
 33. A method of mounting aflat-panel display in a cover for a computer comprising: providing abracket member having at least one first hole formed laterally through aportion thereof and at least one second hole formed therethrough;providing a flat-panel display including a back having at least one holeformed laterally therein; and mounting the flat-panel display to atleast a portion of the bracket member using at least one mounting memberextending through the at least one first hole formed laterally through aportion of the bracket member and engaging at least a portion of the atleast one hole of the flat-panel display for mounting the flat-paneldisplay to the bracket member.
 34. The method of claim 33, wherein thebracket member comprises a member having a first portion extending in afirst direction and a second portion extending orthogonally in a seconddirection therefrom.
 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the at leastone first hole is formed in the first portion of the bracket member andthe at least one second hole is formed in the second portion of thebracket member.
 36. The method of claim 33, wherein the flat-paneldisplay includes a display panel and a back.
 37. The method of claim 36,wherein the flat-panel display further includes a rim extending aroundthe display panel and the back.
 38. The method of claim 33, wherein theflat-panel display includes a display panel, a back and a rim extendingaround the display panel and the back.
 39. The method of claim 33wherein the cover includes a sidewall.
 40. The method of claim 39,wherein the bracket member comprises a member having a first portionextending in a first direction for extending in the direction of theside wall of the cover being spaced therefrom and a second portionextending orthogonally in a second direction therefrom.
 41. The methodof claim 40, wherein the bracket member further includes the at leastone first hole located in the first portion and the at least one secondhole located in the second portion.
 42. The method of claim 41, furthercomprising mounting the flat-panel display in the cover using anothermounting member.
 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the anothermounting member extends through the hole in the cover and into at leasta portion of the at least one second hole in the bracket member formounting the flat-panel display in the cover.
 44. The method of claim33, further comprising installing a bezel having a portion covering aportion of the flat panel display.
 45. The method of claim 44, whereinthe bezel further includes a portion for abutting a portion of asidewall of the cover.
 46. The method of claim 45, wherein the bezelfurther includes a portion for extending into the cover.
 47. A method ofmounting a flat-panel display for a computer, comprising: providing abracket member for mounting the flat-panel display in a cover, thebracket member having at least one first hole formed laterally through aportion thereof and at least one second hole formed therethrough;providing a flat-panel display including a back having at least one holeformed laterally therein; and mounting the flat-panel display to atleast a portion of the bracket member using at least one mounting memberextending through the at least one first hole formed laterally through aportion of the bracket member and engaging at least a portion of the atleast one hole of the flat-panel display for mounting the flat-paneldisplay to the bracket member.
 48. The method of claim 47, furthercomprising: mounting the flat-panel display in the cover.
 49. The methodof claim 47, wherein the bracket member comprises a member having afirst portion extending in a first direction and a second portionextending orthogonally in a second direction therefrom.
 50. The methodof claim 49, wherein the at least one first hole is formed in the firstportion of the bracket member and the at least one second hole is formedin the second portion of the bracket member.
 51. The method of claim 47,wherein the flat-panel display includes a display panel and a back. 52.The method of claim 51, wherein the flat-panel display further includesa rim extending around the display panel and the back.
 53. The method ofclaim 47, wherein the flat-panel display includes a display panel, aback and a rim extending around the display panel and the back.
 54. Themethod of claim 47, wherein the cover includes a sidewall.
 55. Themethod of claim 54, wherein the bracket member comprises a member havinga first portion extending in a first direction for extending in thedirection of the side wall of the cover being spaced therefrom and asecond portion extending orthogonally in a second direction therefrom.56. The method of claim 55, wherein the bracket member further includesthe at least one first hole located in the first portion and the atleast one second hole located in the second portion.
 57. The method ofclaim 48, further comprising providing another mounting member formounting the flat-panel display in the cover.
 58. The method of claim57, further comprising inserting the another mounting member extendingthrough a hole in the cover and extending into at least a portion of theat least one second hole in the bracket member for mounting theflat-panel display in the cover.
 59. The method of claim 47, furthercomprising a bezel having a portion covering a portion of the flat paneldisplay.
 60. The method of claim 59, wherein the bezel further includesa portion for abutting a portion of a sidewall of a cover.
 61. Themethod of claim 60, wherein the bezel further includes a portion forextending into a cover.
 62. The method of claim 61, wherein the bezelfurther includes a portion for extending into a cover to be locatedbetween a side wall thereof and the first portion of the bracket member.63. A method for use with a mounting system for a flat-panel display fora computer comprising: providing a bracket member for mounting theflat-panel display in a cover, the bracket member having at least onefirst hole formed laterally through a portion thereof and at least onesecond hole formed therethrough; providing a flat-panel displayincluding a back, a display panel, and a rim extending around the back,display panel, and the rim, the back having at least one hole formedlaterally therein; and mounting the flat-panel display to at least aportion of the bracket member using at least one mounting memberextending through the at least one first hole formed laterally through aportion of the bracket member and engaging at least a portion of the atleast one hole of the flat-panel display for mounting the flat-paneldisplay to the bracket member.
 64. The method of claim 63, wherein thebracket member comprises a member having a first portion extending in afirst direction and a second portion extending orthogonally in a seconddirection therefrom.
 65. The method of claim 64, wherein the at leastone first hole is formed in the first portion of the bracket member andthe at least one second hole is formed in the second portion of thebracket member.
 66. The method of claim 63, wherein a cover includes asidewall.
 67. The method of claim 66, wherein the bracket membercomprises a member having a first portion extending in a first directionfor extending in the direction of the side wall of the cover beingspaced therefrom and a second portion extending orthogonally in a seconddirection therefrom.
 68. The method of claim 67, wherein the bracketmember further includes the at least one first hole located in the firstportion and the at least one second hole located in the second portion.69. The method of claim 68, further comprising providing anothermounting member for mounting the flat-panel display in the cover. 70.The method of claim 69, wherein the another mounting member mounts theflat-panel display in a cover having a portion thereof extending througha hole in the cover and extending into at least a portion of the atleast one second hole in the bracket member for mounting the flat-paneldisplay in the cover.
 71. The method of claim 63, wherein a bezel may beused to cover a portion of the flat panel display.
 72. The method ofclaim 71, wherein the bezel further includes a portion for abutting aportion of a sidewall of a cover.
 73. The method of claim 72, whereinthe bezel further includes a portion for extending into a cover.
 74. Themethod of claim 73, wherein the bezel further includes a portion forextending into a cover to be located between a side wall thereof and thefirst portion of the bracket member.
 75. A method for mounting anassembly for a flat-panel display for a computer in a cover, comprising:providing a bracket member for mounting the flat-panel display in acover, the bracket member having at least one first hole formedlaterally through a portion thereof and at least one second hole formedtherethrough; and providing a flat-panel display including a back havingat least one hole formed laterally therein; and mounting the flat-paneldisplay to at least a portion of the bracket member using at least onemounting member extending through the at least one first hole formedlaterally through a portion of the bracket member and engaging at leasta portion of the at least one hole of the flat-panel display formounting the flat-panel display to the bracket member.
 76. The method ofclaim 75, wherein the bracket member comprises a member having a firstportion extending in a first direction and a second portion extendingorthogonally in a second direction therefrom.
 77. The method of claim76, wherein the at least one first hole is formed in the first portionof the bracket member and the at least one second hole is formed in thesecond portion of the bracket member.
 78. The method of claim 77,wherein a cover includes a sidewall.
 79. The method of claim 48, whereinthe bracket member comprises a member having a first portion extendingin a first direction for extending in the direction of the side wall ofthe cover being spaced therefrom and a second portion extendingorthogonally in a second direction therefrom.
 80. The method of claim79, wherein the bracket member further includes the at least one firsthole located in the first portion and the at least one second holelocated in the second portion.
 81. The method of claim 80, furthercomprising providing another mounting member for mounting the flat-paneldisplay in the cover.
 82. The method of claim 81, wherein the anothermounting member mounts the flat-panel display in a cover having aportion thereof extending through a hole in the cover and extending intoat least a portion of the at least one second hole in the bracketmember.
 83. The method of claim 82, wherein a bezel may be used to covera portion of the flat panel display.
 84. The method of claim 83, whereinthe bezel further includes a portion for abutting a portion of asidewall of a cover.
 85. The method of claim 84, wherein the bezelfurther includes a portion for extending into a cover.
 86. The method ofclaim 85, wherein the bezel further includes a portion for extendinginto a cover to be located between a side wall thereof and the firstportion of the bracket member.
 87. The method of claim 85, wherein theflat-panel display includes a display panel and a back.
 88. The methodof claim 87, wherein the flat-panel display further includes a rimextending around the display panel and the back.
 89. The method of claim85, wherein the flat-panel display includes a display panel, a back anda rim extending around the display panel and the back.
 90. A method formounting an assembly for mounting a flat-panel display for a computer ina cover, the method comprising: providing a flat-panel display includinga back having at least one hole formed laterally therein and a displaypanel; and mounting the flat-panel display to at least a portion of abracket member by using at least one mounting member extending through afirst hole formed laterally through a portion of the bracket member andengaging at least a portion of the at least one hole of the flat-paneldisplay for mounting the flat-panel display to the bracket member formounting the assembly in a cover for a computer.
 91. The method of claim90, wherein the bracket member comprises a member having a first portionextending in a first direction and a second portion extendingorthogonally in a second direction therefrom.
 92. The method of claim91, wherein the at least one first hole is formed in the first portionof the bracket member and the at least one second hole is formed in thesecond portion of the bracket member.
 93. The method of claim 92,wherein a cover includes a sidewall.
 94. The method of claim 93, whereinthe bracket member comprises a member having a first portion extendingin a first direction for extending in the direction of the side wall ofthe cover being spaced therefrom and a second portion extendingorthogonally in a second direction therefrom.
 95. The method of claim94, wherein the bracket member further includes the at least one firsthole located in the first portion and the at least one second holelocated in the second portion.
 96. The method of claim 95, furthercomprising providing another mounting member for mounting the flat-paneldisplay in a cover.
 97. The method of claim 96, wherein the anothermounting member mounts the flat-panel display in a cover having aportion thereof extending through a hole in the cover and extending intoat least a portion of the at least one second hole in the bracket memberfor mounting the flat-panel display in the cover.
 98. The method ofclaim 60, wherein a bezel may be used to cover a portion of the flatpanel display.
 99. The method of claim 98, wherein the bezel furtherincludes a portion for abutting a portion of a sidewall of a cover. 100.The method of claim 99, wherein the bezel further includes a portion forextending into a cover.
 107. The method of claim 90, wherein the bezelfurther includes a portion for extending into a cover to be locatedbetween a side wall thereof and the first portion of the bracket member.102. The method of claim 90, wherein the flat-panel display furtherincludes a rim extending around the display panel and the back.
 103. Amethod for mounting an assembly of a mounting system for a flat-paneldisplay in a cover of a computer, the method comprising: providing acover including a back and a side wall extending around at least aportion of the back, the side wall having at least one hole extendingtherethrough, the top cover configured for housing a flat-panel displayof a computer therein; providing a bracket member having a first holeand a second hole; providing a flat-panel display including a backhaving at least one hole formed laterally therein; and mounting theflat-panel display in the top cover using mounting members engaging atleast a portion of the first hole in the bracket member and at least aportion of the hole of the flat-panel display and engaging the hole inthe cover.
 104. A method for mounting a mounting system for a flat-paneldisplay in a cover of a computer, the method comprising: providing acover including a back and a side wall extending around at least aportion of the back, the side wall having at least one hole extendingtherethrough, the top cover configured for housing a flat-panel displayof a computer therein; providing a flat-panel display including a backhaving at least one hole formed laterally therein; and mounting theflat-panel display in the top cover using a mounting member engaging atleast a portion of the hole of the flat-panel display and engaging thehole in the cover.
 105. A method for mounting a mounting system for aflat-panel display in a cover of a portable computer, the methodcomprising: providing a flat-panel display having a plurality of edgesincluding at least a hole formed laterally therein configured formounting the flat-panel display in a cover of a portable computer, thecover having a back and a side wall extending therearound having atleast a hole therethrough; and installing a lateral mounting member toextend laterally from the at least one hole in the side wall of the topcover for engaging at least a portion of the hole in plurality of edgesthe flat-panel display.
 106. The method of claim 105, wherein theflat-panel display having another hole formed laterally therein andanother mounting member extending thereinto.
 107. The method of claim105, wherein the lateral mounting member comprises a bolt that engages aboss in the flat-panel display.
 108. The method of claim 105, whereinthe cover comprises a plastic back, pivotal couplings connecting thecover to a base unit, and at least one metal bracket that extends fromthe pivotal couplings, the lateral mounting member engaging the metalbracket and the plastic back.
 109. The method of claim 105, wherein thelateral mounting member comprises a bolt that passes through the bracketand the plastic back to engage a boss in the flat-panel display. 110.The method of claim 105, wherein the plastic back does not substantiallycontribute to the rigidity of the top cover.
 111. The method of claim75, wherein the flat-panel display comprises a display panel, a displayrim extending around a perimeter of the display, and a display back; andthe lateral mounting member comprises a bolt that engages a boss in thedisplay back of the flat-panel display, behind the rim.
 112. A methodfor mounting a mounting system for a flat-panel display in a folding topcover of a portable computer, the mounting system comprising: installinglateral mounting members to extend from the top cover to engage sidewalls of the flat-panel display, wherein the top cover comprises aplastic back, pivotal couplings connecting the top cover to a base unit,and at least one metal bracket that extends from the pivotal couplings,the lateral mounting members engaging the metal bracket and the plasticback.
 113. A method of mounting a mounting system for a flat-paneldisplay in a folding top cover of a portable computer, the mountingsystem comprising: installing lateral mounting members to extend fromthe top cover to engage side walls of the flat-panel display, whereinthe top cover comprises a plastic back, pivotal couplings connecting thetop cover to a base unit, and at least one metal bracket that extendsfrom the pivotal couplings, the lateral mounting members engaging themetal bracket and the plastic back, and, wherein the lateral mountingmembers comprise bolts that pass through the bracket and the plasticback to engage bosses in the flat-panel display.
 114. A method formounting a mounting system for a flat-panel display in a folding topcover of a portable computer, the mounting system comprising: installinglateral mounting members to extend from the top cover to engage sidewalls of the flat-panel display, wherein the top cover comprises aplastic back, pivotal couplings connecting the top cover to a base unit,and at least one metal bracket that extends from the pivotal couplings,the lateral mounting members engaging the metal bracket and the plasticback, wherein the plastic back does not substantially contribute to therigidity of the top cover.
 115. A method for mounting a mounting systemfor a display in a cover for the base of a computer, the mounting systemcomprising: providing a cover including a back and a side wall extendingaround at least a portion of the back, the side wall having at least onehole extending laterally therethrough, the cover configured for closingover the base of a computer; providing a flap-panel display including atleast one hole formed laterally therein; and mounting the display in thecover using mounting members engaging at least a portion of the at leastone hole of the side wall of the cover and engaging at least a portionof the at least one hole of the display.
 116. The method described inclaim 115, further comprising: providing a bezel configured for coveringa portion of the display panel.
 117. A method of mounting a mountingsystem for a display in a top cover for the base of a computer, themounting system comprising: providing a display having an active areaand having a plurality of side walls, the display including a pluralityof holes formed laterally in the plurality of side walls, the displayconfigured for mounting in a top cover to cover a base of a computer;and inserting lateral mounting members to extend laterally between thetop cover and the display, the lateral mounting members engaging theplurality of holes formed laterally in at the plurality of side walls ofthe display.
 118. The method in claim 117, wherein the lateral mountingmembers extend through at least two holes in one of a side wall and theplurality of side walls of the cover.
 119. The method in claim 117,wherein the lateral mounting members comprise bolts that engage bossesin the display.
 120. The method in claim 117, wherein the top covercomprises: a back having a side wall extending around a portion of theback, pivotal couplings connecting the cover to a base unit, and atleast one bracket having a portion that extends from the pivotalcouplings; and the lateral mounting members engage portions of the atleast one bracket and the back.
 121. The method in claim 117, whereinthe lateral mounting members comprise thread fasteners configured forpassing through the at least one bracket and the back to engage bossesin the display.
 122. The method in claim 117, wherein the lateralmounting members comprise pins configured for passing through the atleast one bracket and the back to engage bosses in the display.
 123. Themethod in claim 117, wherein the side wall of the back substantiallycontributes to the rigidity of the top cover.
 124. The method in claim117, wherein the display comprises: a display panel; a display rimextending around a perimeter of the display; a display back.
 125. Themethod in claim 124, wherein the lateral mounting members comprisethreaded fasteners configured to engage bosses in the back of thedisplay.
 126. The method in claim 124, wherein the lateral mountingmembers comprise pins configured to engage bosses in the display back ofthe display, behind the rim.
 127. The method in claim 124, wherein thelateral mounting members comprise pins configured to engage the displayand the side wall of the top cover.
 128. The method in claim 127,further comprising: a bezel configured for covering a portion of thedisplay panel.
 129. A method for mounting a mounting system for adisplay in a cover for a base unit of a computer comprising: providing adisplay panel including an active area, a back, a plurality of sidewalls forming the circumference of the display panel, and a holeextending laterally into a side wall of the display panel; providing acover including a back and a side wall extending around a portion of theback, the side wall having a hole extending laterally therethrough, thecover for closing over a base unit of a computer; and engaging a lateralmounting member with at least a portion of the hole in the side wall ofthe cover and engaging at least a portion of the hole of the displaypanel.
 130. The method of claim 129, wherein the lateral mounting membercomprises a screw.
 131. The method of claim 129, wherein a plurality ofedges of display panel are located within the side wall extending arounda portion of the cover.
 132. The method of claim 129, wherein thedisplay panel further comprises: a rim extending around thecircumference of the display panel, the rim having a hole therethrough.133. The method of claim 129, wherein the lateral mounting membercomprises a member configured for engaging at least a portion of thehole in the side wall of the cover, configured for extending through thehole in the rim, and configured for engaging at least a portion of thehole of the display panel.
 134. The method of claim 129, wherein thelateral mounting member comprises a threaded fastener.
 135. The methodof claim 129, wherein the lateral mounting member comprises a pin. 136.The method of claim 129, further comprising: providing a bezelconfigured for covering a portion of the display panel.
 137. A methodfor mounting a mounting system for a display in a cover for a base unitof a computer comprising: providing a display panel including an activearea, a back, a plurality of side walls forming the circumference of thedisplay panel, and a plurality of holes extending laterally into theplurality of side walls of the display panel; providing a coverincluding a back and a side wall extending around a portion of the back,the side wall having a plurality of holes extending laterallytherethrough, the cover covering a base unit of a computer; and engaginga plurality of lateral mounting members with at least a portions of theholes in the side walls of the cover and engaging at least a portions ofthe holes of the display panel.
 138. The method of claim 137, whereinthe plurality of lateral mounting members comprises threaded fasteners.139. The method of claim 137, wherein the plurality of holes in aplurality of edges of display panel are located within the back of thedisplay panel.
 140. The method of claim 137, wherein the display panelfurther comprises: a rim extending around the circumference of thedisplay panel, the rim having a plurality of holes therethrough. 141.The method of claim 137, wherein the plurality of lateral mountingmembers include each member configured for engaging at least a portionof a hole of the plurality of holes in the side wall of the cover,configured for extending through a hole of the plurality of holes of therim, and configured for engaging at least a portion of a hole of theplurality of holes of the display panel.
 142. The method of claim 137,wherein the lateral mounting members comprises threaded fasteners. 143.The method of claim 137, wherein the lateral mounting members comprisemembers engaging a non-threaded hole in the display panel.
 144. Themethod of claim 137, wherein the cover includes pivotal couplingsconfigured to connect the cover to a base unit of a computer, at leastone other lateral mounting member, and at least one bracket configuredto have a portion extending from a pivotal coupling, the at least oneother lateral mounting member engaging at least a portion of the atleast one bracket.
 145. The method of claim 137, wherein the coverincludes at least one bracket including at least one pin configured toengage at least a portion of a hole of the plurality of holes extendinglaterally into a plurality of edges of the display panel.
 146. Themethod of claim 137, further comprising: a bezel configured for coveringa portion of the display panel.
 117. A method for mounting a mountingsystem for a display in a cover for a base unit of a computercomprising: providing a display panel including an active area, a back,a plurality of side walls forming the circumference of the displaypanel, and a plurality of holes extending laterally into at least twoopposed edges of the a plurality of side walls of the display panel;providing a cover including a back having a side wall extending around aportion of the back, the side wall having a plurality of holes extendinglaterally therethrough, pivotal couplings configured to connect thecover to a base unit of a computer for closing thereover, a plurality ofbrackets, each bracket having a hole extending laterally through aportion thereof, each bracket configured to have a portion to connectwith a portion of the pivotal couplings; and engaging a plurality oflateral mounting members with at least a portion of a hole of theplurality of holes in the side walls of the cover, engaging at least aportion of a hole of the plurality of holes of the display panel, andextending through the one hole in each bracket of the plurality ofbrackets.
 148. The method of claim 147, wherein the lateral mountingmembers comprise threaded fasteners.
 149. The method of claim 147,wherein the display panel further comprises: a rim extending around thecircumference of the display panel, the rim having a plurality of holestherethrough.
 150. The method of claim 147, wherein the plurality oflateral mounting members includes each member configured for engaging anon-threaded hole in the display panel.
 151. The method of claim 147,wherein the cover includes a bracket having at least one pin configuredto engage at least a portion of a hole of the plurality of holesextending laterally into a plurality of edges of the display panel. 152.The method of claim 147, wherein the side wall of the cover includes aside wall configured to extend around a plurality of sides of the back.153. The method of claim 147, further comprising: providing a bezelconfigured for covering a portion of the display panel.
 154. The methodof claim 153, wherein the bezel includes a portion extending between theplurality of brackets.
 155. A method for mounting a mounting system fora display in a cover for a base unit of a computer comprising: providinga display panel including an active area, a back, a plurality of sidewalls forming the circumference of the display panel, and a plurality ofholes extending laterally into at least two opposed edges of the aplurality of side walls of the display panel; providing a coverincluding a back having a side wall extending around a portion of theback, couplings configured to connect the cover to a base unit of acomputer for closing thereover, a plurality of brackets, each brackethaving a hole extending laterally through a portion thereof, eachbracket configured to have a portion to connect with a portion of thecouplings; and engaging a plurality of lateral mounting members with atleast portions of the plurality of holes of the display panel andextending through the one hole in each bracket of the plurality ofbrackets.
 156. The method of claim 155, wherein the lateral mountingmembers comprise threaded fasteners.
 157. The method of claim 155,wherein the display panel further comprises: a rim extending around thecircumference of the display panel, the rim having a plurality of holestherethrough.
 158. The method of claim 155, wherein the plurality oflateral mounting members includes each member configured for engaging anon-threaded hole in the display panel.
 159. The method of claim 155,wherein the cover includes a bracket having at least one pin configuredto engage at least a portion of a hole of the plurality of holesextending laterally into a plurality of edges of the display panel. 160.The method of claim 155, wherein the side wall of the cover includes aside wall configured to extend around a plurality of sides of the back.161. The method of claim 155, further comprising: providing a bezelconfigured for covering a portion of the display panel.
 162. The methodof claim 161, wherein the bezel includes a portion extending between theplurality of brackets.
 163. A method for mounting an assembly formounting a flat-panel display for a computer, the assembly comprising:providing a bracket member for mounting the flat-panel display in acover, the bracket member having at least one first hole extendingthrough a portion thereof and at least one second hole formedtherethrough; providing a flat-panel display including a back having atleast one mounting member extending laterally therefrom; and mountingthe flat-panel display to at least a portion of the bracket member usingat least one mounting member to extend through the at least one firsthole formed laterally through a portion of the bracket member formounting the flat-panel display to the bracket member.
 164. The methodof claim 163, wherein the bracket member comprises a member having afirst portion extending in a first direction and a second portionextending orthogonally in a second direction therefrom.
 165. The methodof claim 164, wherein the at least one first hole is formed in the firstportion of the bracket member and the at least one second hole is formedin the second portion of the bracket member.
 166. The method of claim165, wherein a cover includes a sidewall.
 167. The method of claim 166,wherein the bracket member comprises a member having a first portionextending in a first direction for extending in the direction of theside wall of the cover being spaced therefrom and a second portionextending orthogonally in a second direction therefrom.
 168. The methodof claim 167, wherein the bracket member further includes the at leastone first hole located in the first portion and the at least one secondhole located in the second portion.
 169. The method of claim 168,further comprising providing another mounting member for mounting theflat-panel display in the cover.
 170. The method of claim 169, whereinthe another mounting member extends through a hole in the cover andextending into at least a portion of the at least one second hole in thebracket member for mounting the flat-panel display in the cover. 171.The method of claim 170, wherein a bezel may be used to cover a portionof the flat panel display.
 172. The method of claim 171, wherein thebezel further includes a portion for abutting a portion of a sidewall ofa cover.
 173. The method of claim 172, wherein the bezel furtherincludes a portion for extending into a cover.
 174. The method of claim173, wherein the bezel further includes a portion for extending into acover to be located between a side wall thereof and the first portion ofthe bracket member.
 175. The method of claim 173, wherein the flat-paneldisplay includes a display panel and a back.
 176. The method of claim175, wherein the flat-panel display further includes a rim extendingaround the display panel and the back.
 177. The method of claim 173,wherein the flat-panel display includes a display panel, a back and arim extending around the display panel and the back.
 178. A method ofmounting a mounting system for a display comprising: providing a displaypanel including an active area, a back, a plurality of side wallsforming the circumference of the display panel, and a plurality of holesextending laterally into at least two opposed edges of the a pluralityof side walls of the display panel; providing a cover including a backhaving a side wall extending around a portion of the back, couplingsconfigured to connect the cover to a base unit of a computer for closingthereover, a plurality of brackets, each bracket having a hole extendinglaterally through a portion thereof, each bracket configured to have aportion to connect with a portion of the couplings; and engaging aplurality of lateral mounting members with the display panel, eachlateral mounting member configured for engaging at least a portion of ahole of the plurality of holes of the display panel using aninterference fit therewith and extending through the one hole in eachbracket of the plurality of brackets.
 179. The method of claim 178,wherein the lateral mounting members comprise pins.
 180. The method ofclaim 178, wherein the display panel further comprises: a rim extendingaround the circumference of the display panel, the rim having aplurality of holes therethrough.
 181. The method of claim 178, whereinthe plurality of lateral mounting members includes each memberconfigured for engaging a non-threaded hole in the display panel. 182.The method of claim 178, wherein the cover includes a bracket having atleast one pin configured to engage at least a portion of a hole of theplurality of holes extending laterally into a plurality of edges of thedisplay panel.
 183. The method of claim 178, wherein the side wall ofthe cover includes a side wall configured to extend around a pluralityof sides of the back.
 184. The method of claim 178, further comprising:a bezel configured for covering a portion of the display panel.
 185. Themethod of claim 184, wherein the bezel includes a portion extendingbetween the plurality of brackets.
 186. A method of mounting aflat-panel display for a computer, comprising: providing a supportmember for mounting the flat-panel display in a cover, the supportmember having at least one first hole formed laterally through a portionthereof and at least one second hole formed therethrough; providing aflat-panel display including a back having at least one hole formedlaterally therein; and mounting the flat-panel display to at least aportion of the support member using at least one mounting memberextending through the at least one first hole formed laterally through aportion of the support member and engaging at least a portion of the atleast one hole of the flat-panel display for mounting the flat-paneldisplay to the support member.
 187. The method of claim 186, furthercomprising: mounting the flat-panel display in the cover.
 188. Themethod of claim 186, wherein the support member comprises a memberhaving a first portion extending in a first direction and a secondportion extending orthogonally in a second direction therefrom.
 189. Themethod of claim 188, wherein the at least one first hole is formed inthe first portion of the support member and the at least one second holeis formed in the second portion of the support member.
 190. The methodof claim 186, wherein the flat-panel display includes a display paneland a back.
 191. The method of claim 190, wherein the flat-panel displayfurther includes a rim extending around the display panel and the back.192. The method of claim 186, wherein the flat-panel display includes adisplay panel, a back and a rim extending around the display panel andthe back.
 193. The method of claim 186, wherein the cover includes asidewall.
 194. The method of claim 193, wherein the support membercomprises a member having a first portion extending in a first directionfor extending in the direction of the side wall of the cover beingspaced therefrom and a second portion extending orthogonally in a seconddirection therefrom.
 195. The method of claim 194, wherein the supportmember further includes the at least one first hole located in the firstportion and the at least one second hole located in the second portion.196. The method of claim 187, further comprising providing anothermounting member for mounting the flat-panel display in the cover. 197.The method of claim 196, further comprising inserting the anothermounting member extending through a hole in the cover and extending intoat least a portion of the at least one second hole in the support memberfor mounting the flat-panel display in the cover.
 198. The method ofclaim 186, further comprising a bezel having a portion covering aportion of the flat panel display.
 199. The method of claim 198, whereinthe bezel further includes a portion for abutting a portion of asidewall of a cover.
 200. The method of claim 199, wherein the bezelfurther includes a portion for extending into a cover.
 201. The methodof claim 200, wherein the bezel further includes a portion for extendinginto a cover to be located between a side wall thereof and the firstportion of the support member.
 202. A method of mounting a flat-paneldisplay comprising: providing a back member for mounting the flat-paneldisplay in a portion of the back member, the back member having at leastone first hole formed laterally through a portion thereof and at leastone second hole formed therethrough; and mounting the flat-panel displayto at least a portion of the back member using at least one mountingmember extending through the at least one first hole formed laterallythrough a portion of the support member and engaging at least a portionof the at least one hole of the flat-panel display for mounting theflat-panel display to the back for covering a portion of the flat-paneldisplay.
 203. A method of mounting a mounting system for a displaycomprising: providing a display panel including an active area, a back,a plurality of side walls forming the circumference of the displaypanel, and at least one hole extending laterally into at least an edgeof a side wall of the display panel; providing a back including a sidewall extending around a portion of the back; providing a support havinga hole extending laterally through a portion thereof; and engaging alateral mounting member with the display panel, the lateral mountingmember configured for engaging at least a portion of a hole of thedisplay panel and extending through the one hole in each bracket of theplurality of brackets.
 204. The method of claim 203, wherein the lateralmounting member comprises a pin.
 205. The method of claim 203, whereinthe lateral mounting member includes a member configured for engaging anon-threaded hole in the display panel.
 206. The method of claim 203,wherein the back includes a support having at least one pin configuredto engage at least a portion of a hole of a hole extending laterallyinto a plurality of edges of the display panel.
 207. The method of claim203, wherein the side wall of the back includes a side wall configuredto extend around a plurality of sides of a back of a display panel. 208.The method of claim 203, further comprising: a bezel configured forcovering a portion of the display panel.
 209. A method of mounting aflat-panel display, comprising: providing a support member for mountingthe flat-panel display in a back member for covering a portion of theflat-panel display, the support member having at least one first holeformed laterally through a portion thereof and at least one second holeformed therethrough; providing a flat-panel display including a backhaving at least one hole formed laterally therein; and mounting theflat-panel display to at least a portion of the support member using atleast one mounting member extending through the at least one first holeformed laterally through a portion of the support member and engaging atleast a portion of the at least one hole of the flat-panel display formounting the flat-panel display to the support member.
 210. The methodof claim 209, further comprising: mounting the flat-panel display in theback member.
 211. The method of claim 209, wherein the support membercomprises a member having a first portion extending in a first directionand a second portion extending orthogonally in a second directiontherefrom.
 212. The method of claim 211, wherein the at least one firsthole is formed in the first portion of the support member and the atleast one second hole is formed in the second portion of the supportmember.
 213. The method of claim 209, wherein the back of the flat-paneldisplay further includes a rim.
 214. The method of claim 209, whereinthe flat-panel display further includes a display panel and a rimextending around the display panel and the back member.
 215. The methodof claim 210, wherein the support member comprises a member having afirst portion extending in a first direction for extending in thedirection of the side wall of the cover being spaced therefrom and asecond portion extending orthogonally in a second direction therefrom.216. The method of claim 215, wherein the support member furtherincludes the at least one first hole located in the first portion andthe at least one second hole located in the second portion.
 217. Themethod of claim 210, further comprising providing another mountingmember for mounting the flat-panel display in the back.
 218. The methodof claim 217, further comprising inserting the another mounting memberextending through a hole in the back and extending into at least aportion of the at least one second hole in the support member formounting the flat-panel display in the cover.
 219. The method of claim209, further comprising a bezel having a portion covering a portion ofthe flat panel display.
 220. The method of claim 219, wherein the bezelfurther includes a portion for abutting a portion of a sidewall of aback member.
 221. The method of claim 220, wherein the bezel furtherincludes a portion for extending into a back member.
 222. The method ofclaim 221, wherein the bezel further includes a portion for extendinginto a back member to be located between a side wall thereof and thefirst portion of the support member.
 223. A method of mounting aflat-panel display, comprising: providing a back member for mounting theflat-panel display in a back covering a portion of the flat-paneldisplay, the back member having at least one first hole formed laterallythrough a portion thereof and at least one second hole formedtherethrough; and mounting the flat-panel display to at least a portionof the back member using at least one mounting member extending throughthe at least one first hole formed laterally through a portion of theback member and engaging at least a portion of the at least one hole ofthe flat-panel display for mounting the flat-panel display to the backmember.